Welcome Home to Christchurch

We are shining a light on small businesses and hidden gems throughout the region by sharing hand-picked local recommendations in Christchurch selected by the local Cantabrian Airbnb host community just for you.


A Taste of Christchurch

Delight your tastebuds at Rollickin Gelato Cafe

35 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011

Ignite your senses with fresh creams made in-house everyday, from unique flavours like gingerbread loaf and shortbread sponge, to delectable favourites hokey pokey and fudge sauciness. A whole range of vegan options are also available for you to select from - the folks at Rollickin Gelato have got something for everyone.

Learn more.

Delight your tastebuds at Rollickin Gelato Cafe

35 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011

Ignite your senses with fresh creams made in-house everyday, from unique flavours like gingerbread loaf and shortbread sponge, to delectable favourites hokey pokey and fudge sauciness. A whole range of vegan options are also available for you to select from - the folks at Rollickin Gelato have got something for everyone.

Learn more.

Feel at home at SHELF Home + Gifts and Emperor's Cafe

Corner Hackthorne & Dyer's Pass Rds, Cashmere, Christchurch

Delight in a little retail therapy while you sip on the best tasting coffee in town and date scones fresh out of the oven. From cozy candles and comfy cushions to carefully curated ceramics, you’ll love what this charming, women-owned collaboration outfit has to offer.

And you can bring along your furry friends as both these businesses are dog friendly, too!

Learn more.

Feel at home at SHELF Home + Gifts and Emperor's Cafe

Corner Hackthorne & Dyer's Pass Rds, Cashmere, Christchurch

Delight in a little retail therapy while you sip on the best tasting coffee in town and date scones fresh out of the oven. From cozy candles and comfy cushions to carefully curated ceramics, you’ll love what this charming, women-owned collaboration outfit has to offer.

And you can bring along your furry friends as both these businesses are dog friendly, too!

Learn more.

Dine at the heritage site, Sign of the Takahe

200 Hackthorne Rd, Cashmere, Christchurch

Built in the style of an English Manor house, Sign of the Takahe is a beautifully renovated heritage building initially built as a roadhouse and affectionately named after the flightless native New Zealand bird. This magical manor now offers a delicious spread of food and drink and is now a well-loved gathering place for local Canterbrians.

Learn more.

Dine at the heritage site, Sign of the Takahe

200 Hackthorne Rd, Cashmere, Christchurch

Built in the style of an English Manor house, Sign of the Takahe is a beautifully renovated heritage building initially built as a roadhouse and affectionately named after the flightless native New Zealand bird. This magical manor now offers a delicious spread of food and drink and is now a well-loved gathering place for local Canterbrians.

Learn more.

Take a stroll through a forest within the city at Riccarton House & Bush | Pūtaringamotu

16 Kahu Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch

An ancient forest in the urban heart of Christchurch is the backdrop to this beautifully restored historic homestead. Some of the incredible trees you’ll encounter are up to 600 years old. Enjoy a guided tour of this homestead, giving you insight into the lives of a pioneering family and the craftsmanship of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Relax in the cafe and enjoy locally sourced treats whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings. Popular markets are held on Saturdays

Learn more.

Take a stroll through a forest within the city at Riccarton House & Bush | Pūtaringamotu

16 Kahu Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch

An ancient forest in the urban heart of Christchurch is the backdrop to this beautifully restored historic homestead. Some of the incredible trees you’ll encounter are up to 600 years old. Enjoy a guided tour of this homestead, giving you insight into the lives of a pioneering family and the craftsmanship of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Relax in the cafe and enjoy locally sourced treats whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings. Popular markets are held on Saturdays

Learn more.

Indulge in the freshest fish and chips in town at Fisherman’s Wharf

Norwich Quay, Lyttelton

Savour on the freshest catch in town at Fisherman’s Wharf. A fish and chip shop with a twist, your meal is freshly caught by its owners on their very own boat. Perfectly positioned overlooking the harbour in the idyllic working port of Lyttelton, this is a dining spot you would not want to miss.

Learn more.

Indulge in the freshest fish and chips in town at Fisherman’s Wharf

Norwich Quay, Lyttelton

Savour on the freshest catch in town at Fisherman’s Wharf. A fish and chip shop with a twist, your meal is freshly caught by its owners on their very own boat. Perfectly positioned overlooking the harbour in the idyllic working port of Lyttelton, this is a dining spot you would not want to miss.

Learn more.

Grab an ice cold handcrafted beer at Eruption Brewery

26 London Street, Lyttelton

This local microbrewery, restaurant and brewbar sits in an old bank building in the historic port town of Lyttelton - the bank’s old safe is now its beer chiller. With multi-level spaces you can enjoy a personalised experience whilst tasting a variety of alternative ales, brewed using only New Zealand ingredients. Relax with a handcrafted beer in hand on the upper deck whilst overlooking the beautiful port of Lyttelton.

Learn more.

Grab an ice cold handcrafted beer at Eruption Brewery

26 London Street, Lyttelton

This local microbrewery, restaurant and brewbar sits in an old bank building in the historic port town of Lyttelton - the bank’s old safe is now its beer chiller. With multi-level spaces you can enjoy a personalised experience whilst tasting a variety of alternative ales, brewed using only New Zealand ingredients. Relax with a handcrafted beer in hand on the upper deck whilst overlooking the beautiful port of Lyttelton.

Learn more.

Discover the Outdoors

Immerse yourself in the natural splendour of Taylor’s Mistake Beach | Te Onepoto and the Awaroa | Godley Head Loop Track

229 Taylors Mistake Road, Sumner, Christchurch

Swim, surf and fish at this iconic beach with a unique namesake - one of the best seashores in Christchurch. From Taylor’s Mistake, join the Godley Head Loop Track and take in the magnificent view as you stroll down the path to Boulder Bay. From historic war remains to small century-old beach enclaves, relish in the rich remnants of history as you wander down the coastline.

Learn more.

Immerse yourself in the natural splendour of Taylor’s Mistake Beach | Te Onepoto and the Awaroa | Godley Head Loop Track

229 Taylors Mistake Road, Sumner, Christchurch

Swim, surf and fish at this iconic beach with a unique namesake - one of the best seashores in Christchurch. From Taylor’s Mistake, join the Godley Head Loop Track and take in the magnificent view as you stroll down the path to Boulder Bay. From historic war remains to small century-old beach enclaves, relish in the rich remnants of history as you wander down the coastline.

Learn more.

Hike up the historic Bridle Path

Bridle Path Rd, Heathcote

Constructed in 1850 by European settlers as a bridle path for riding or leading horses, this spectacular walk will leave you in awe with stunning views of the city, Southern Alps, Lyttleton and the Banks Peninsula. Climb all the way to the top if you’re looking for a rewarding challenge - the Canterbury Pioneer Women's Memorial sits proudly at the end of the Path in celebration of the courage and hard work of the women in the region.

Learn more.

Hike up the historic Bridle Path

Bridle Path Rd, Heathcote

Constructed in 1850 by European settlers as a bridle path for riding or leading horses, this spectacular walk will leave you in awe with stunning views of the city, Southern Alps, Lyttleton and the Banks Peninsula. Climb all the way to the top if you’re looking for a rewarding challenge - the Canterbury Pioneer Women's Memorial sits proudly at the end of the Path in celebration of the courage and hard work of the women in the region.

Learn more.

Visit the world-class Christchurch Botanic Gardens

6 Rolleston Ave, Christchurch

From the deciduous autumn trees to the spring bloom of the Daffodil Woodland, there is something to delight in every season at the Botanic Gardens. Marvel at the natural beauty as you wander through the gardens - from heritage roses and native New Zealand flora, to the majesty of the magnolia gardens - this is sure to be a walk that will not disappoint.

Learn more.

Visit the world-class Christchurch Botanic Gardens

6 Rolleston Ave, Christchurch

From the deciduous autumn trees to the spring bloom of the Daffodil Woodland, there is something to delight in every season at the Botanic Gardens. Marvel at the natural beauty as you wander through the gardens - from heritage roses and native New Zealand flora, to the majesty of the magnolia gardens - this is sure to be a walk that will not disappoint.

Learn more.

Animal Adventures

Swim with dolphins on a Black Cat Cruise

63 Beach Road, Akaroa

Sit back and set sail with this gem of a nature cruise around the breathtaking Akaroa bay and its natural majesty. Dive in for a playful swim with a pod of Hector’s dolphins if you’re feeling adventurous, a rare breed of dolphin found only in New Zealand.

Learn more.

Swim with dolphins on a Black Cat Cruise

63 Beach Road, Akaroa

Sit back and set sail with this gem of a nature cruise around the breathtaking Akaroa bay and its natural majesty. Dive in for a playful swim with a pod of Hector’s dolphins if you’re feeling adventurous, a rare breed of dolphin found only in New Zealand.

Learn more.

Get up close and personal with wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Hussey Rd, Christchurch

Birdwatchers rejoice - nowhere else holds a candle to New Zealand and its bustling bird life. From the famous native Kiwi to colourful Kakarikis, Willowbank is home to a variety of rare and endangered species and is committed to protecting them. As a bonus, observe gentle grazing deer while you dine in the cafe or enjoy a Maori cultural experience at Ko Tāne.

Learn more.

Get up close and personal with wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Hussey Rd, Christchurch

Birdwatchers rejoice - nowhere else holds a candle to New Zealand and its bustling bird life. From the famous native Kiwi to colourful Kakarikis, Willowbank is home to a variety of rare and endangered species and is committed to protecting them. As a bonus, observe gentle grazing deer while you dine in the cafe or enjoy a Maori cultural experience at Ko Tāne.

Learn more.

See, touch and feed New Zealand farm animals at Arion Farm Education Park

890 McLean’s Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch

A great spot for curious children, Arion Park is a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Get up close and personal with a variety of New Zealand farm animals at this park, and learn more about the country’s farming heritage along the way. In its commitment to education, the Park is also part of the National Trade Academy, where it holds courses and training sessions for locals entering land-based industries.

A great spot for taking curious children.

Learn more.

See, touch and feed New Zealand farm animals at Arion Farm Education Park

890 McLean’s Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch

A great spot for curious children, Arion Park is a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Get up close and personal with a variety of New Zealand farm animals at this park, and learn more about the country’s farming heritage along the way. In its commitment to education, the Park is also part of the National Trade Academy, where it holds courses and training sessions for locals entering land-based industries.

A great spot for taking curious children.

Learn more.

Get Connected

The Canterbury Host Club brings hosts together from the region to share their experiences and discuss topics related to tourism, travel and home sharing. The Club is an opportunity to promote the region as a tourism destination in a sustainable and responsible way.

Are you a local host on Airbnb who would like to connect with the Canterbury Host Club?

Are you a local business owner who would like to be featured on your Airbnb Local Guide?